No different from our local workforce, those who fight hard to prevent and contain wildfires in our region face serious struggles with finding affordable housing. Acting Supervisor for the Tahoe National Forest, Matt Jedra says the cost of living near the lake is impacting recruiting of temporary and seasonal staff. “The past couple of years have been pretty tough for use,” he said. “Rents we see around the Truckee community, Forest Hill, upwards of two thousand dollars for rent and with entry-level firefighters come in, it’s really tough, they can’t afford that.”

The forest floor is considered one of the most distinct features of the forest ecosystem. It contains various stages of vegetation from new to decomposition all above the soil’s surface. On one piece of land in the Glenshire area, it’s easy to identify. But just across the street the forest floor is overgrown. If a fire were to roar through here, there’s no question where it would take a hold.